Hunt pulled from Reds training and selection

Reds back Karmichael Hunt has been pulled from selection from this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Highlanders and has been pulled from training with his team mates.

The Reds new high-profile recruit , along with five players from National Rugby League side Gold Coast Titans, is due in court early next month over allegations of supplying cocaine.

The former Rugby League international who switched to the Reds from Australian Rules team Gold Coast Suns, faces four counts of supplying drugs.

Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) chief executive Jim Carmichael said Hunt had been excluded selection this weekend.

"Following extensive consultation with Karmichael over the weekend, we have determined that it continues to be best for Karmichael's welfare that he is not available for selection this Friday."

"As this highly complicated matter is due before the courts and is part of a wider and ongoing investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, we will continue not to prejudice the player's legal or contractual rights and we will apply the principles of natural justice.

"Notwithstanding our responsibilities to our Members, fans and wider Rugby stakeholders - and although Karmichael was not contracted to Rugby during the period in question - the QRU strongly believes it has a duty of care to its employees. As such, we will continue to provide Karmichael with the required organisational support.

"The playing group is aware of the organisation's position and is entirely focused on preparing for an important Super Rugby game against the Highlanders in Dunedin this Friday, following our win over the Western Force on Saturday."

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